The Lexus ES competes with other luxury mid-size and large sedans, like the Acura TLX, Genesis G80, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90. However, the efficient ES Hybrid variant is in a class of its own and sees just a couple of updates for the 2021 model year.

All ES Hybrids are badged ES 300h, denoting a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to two electric motor/generators, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and front-wheel drive (FWD). Last year’s nickel-metal hydride battery gets replaced with a new lithium-ion battery for 2021, resulting in a 4.7-inch height reduction to the battery pack. This both frees up trunk space and improves the car’s front-to-rear weight ratio, for better handling. That said, fuel economy is the same 43 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined on regular fuel.

Lexus offers the ES Hybrid in Base, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury grades. The Base trim comprises 17-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, full LED exterior lighting, a color-keyed rear spoiler, 10-way adjustable power front seats, leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless access and start, a 10-speaker premium sound system, and an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The Luxury and Ultra Luxury packages add such features as 18-inch alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather upholstery, a 14-way driver’s seat, navigation, heated and cooled front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power open/close trunk with kick sensors, power-folding outside mirrors, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system. A Mark Levinson 17-speaker and 1800-watt sound system, a 10.2-inch heads-up display, and a wireless charger are yet more options across all trims.

The ES Hybrid comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, bundling forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The only optional features are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a parking assistant. Both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the ES family excellent marks for safety in 2021.

The Lexus ES Hybrid offers an excellent combination of luxury, technology, comfort and fuel economy.